Ling Zhao, CPA
CFO, Tableware Business Unit
Buffalo Grove, Illinois, United States
Professional Overview
Ling Zhao is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience in the consumer goods industry. As the CFO of the Tableware Business Unit at Reynolds Consumer Products, she is responsible for driving financial strategy, operational excellence, and profitability for this key business segment.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CFO of the Tableware Business Unit at Reynolds Consumer Products, Ling is responsible for overseeing the financial operations, strategic planning, and performance management of this $500 million division. She works closely with the business unit leadership to optimize operational efficiency, implement cost-savings initiatives, and drive sustainable growth. Under her financial stewardship, the Tableware BU has achieved double-digit profitability improvements and exceeded revenue targets by 8% in the past fiscal year.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Ling served as the CFO for Reynolds Consumer Products' International and Canada operations, where she led the financial integration of several major acquisitions and spearheaded the company's expansion into new international markets. Before that, she held various finance leadership positions at Nestlé USA, including Finance Director for the International division and Finance Manager for the Pizza and Procurement functions.
Ling's diverse experience across finance, operations, and strategic business roles has provided her with a well-rounded understanding of the consumer goods industry. Her ability to drive financial discipline, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making has been instrumental in her career progression and the success of the organizations she has served.
Academic Background
Ling holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She has also completed executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School and the Kellogg School of Management.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning and analysis
- Operational cost optimization
- Strategic business partnering
- Mergers and acquisitions integration
- International business expansion
- Consumer goods industry expertise
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Ling has demonstrated a track record of driving measurable financial and operational improvements. As the CFO of the Tableware BU, she has implemented a data-driven approach to decision-making, leading to significant cost savings and margin expansion. Ling's ability to translate complex financial information into actionable business insights has made her a trusted strategic partner to the senior leadership team.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strong financial acumen, and strategic mindset, Ling Zhao is well-positioned to continue driving sustainable growth and profitability for the Tableware Business Unit at Reynolds Consumer Products. Her proven leadership in the consumer goods industry and commitment to operational excellence make her a valuable asset to the organization.
